the foolish "fanaticism" of faith
"Many Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in Him on account of Lazarus." —John 12:11
On the first day of the Easter season, the Lord through His Church will question us publicly to determine whether we believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. If each of us says "I do" to these questions, we will be making the greatest decision a human being can make. By this act of faith, we will completely submit our intellect and will to God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 143). "Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God" (CCC, 150).
If we renew our baptismal promises, we will be making an act of faith, as Mary of Bethany did. We will be throwing ourselves at Jesus' feet and pouring out our lives in worship of Him (see Jn 12:3). By our act of faith in the Lord, we will become fools for Christ (see 1 Cor 4:10). The Judases of the world will criticize us for our foolishness and "fanaticism" (see Jn 12:4ff). However, Jesus will accept our act of faith, love, and worship.
Those truly in love do things so wise that they appear to be foolish. Jesus, our Wisdom (1 Cor 1:30) and our Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), looked like a fool when He died on the cross for those who sinned against Him. This Easter, by faith follow Jesus through the cross to the glory of the Resurrection.
Prayer: Father, may I express my faith in You no matter what it costs or how foolish I look.
Promise: "I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord." —Ps 27:13-14
Praise: At a healing service, the healing team prayed aloud that the Lord would heal those in the crowd with hearing problems. At that moment, Diane's deafness was instantly healed, and she was able to hear perfectly.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Hold Fast to the Faith, order, listen to, or download our CD 71-1 or DVD 71 on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 28, 2018
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